Overview of Orange

Located to the southeast of Los Angeles and in the heart of Orange County, the city of Orange, California was founded by Alfred Chapman and Andrew Glassell in 1871. The two lawyers accepted 1,385 acres of land from the Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana as legal fees, and incorporated the one square mile town shortly thereafter. According to local legend, the two men couldn't decide on a name, and settled the matter by playing a poker game to determine who would name the city.

Orange remains one of the most influential cities in Orange County, and the original one square mile town site is registered on the National Register of Historic Places. Orange apartments for rent are a great choice for people who want to experience a quaint city with a rich history conveniently located in the middle of a lively urban atmosphere.

Living in Orange, CA

The city of Orange is home to 136,416 residents, and that number is projected to increase to 160,313 by the year 2035. The cost of living in neighboring cities is higher than in Orange, and the accessibility of freeways for commuters makes the city an attractive place within Orange County for young professionals.

Neighborhoods within the city of Orange contribute to the small-town vibe. Popular neighborhoods include Old Towne, the Presidential Tracts, El Modena, the Alphabet Streets, and the Eichler Tracts. The neighborhoods all have distinct personalities; El Modena features a strong Latino influence, while the Eichler tract showcases the work of influential architect Joseph Eichler, who popularized sleek, innovative design and the concept of "bringing the outside in" with spacious patios and atriums attached to his single story homes.

Orange Work and Study

Orange has become a thriving economic center within Orange County, and access to the city provided by four major freeways and the Metrolink commuter rail make it especially convenient. Many residents in Orange work elsewhere in the county, and freeway expansion to accommodate the increase in traffic reflects this trend. The Orange Chamber of Commerce reports that the top employers are UCI Medical Center and St. Joseph Hospital; the top employers within the manufacturing industry are Master-Halco, Inc and Varco International, Inc.

Chapman University is one of the oldest private universities in California, with a student population of almost 7,000 students; its southern California location is attractive to students interested in LA and Hollywood internships, and is home to students from 50 states and more than 60 different countries. Santiago Canyon College is a two-year college on the eastern border of Orange that was opened in 1985 as a branch to the nearby Santa Ana College; it is known for its forensics program and award-winning women's soccer team.

Rentals in Orange, CA and Cost of Living

According to city-data.com, the median gross rent for an apartment in the city of Orange was $1,429. This is an average price for a rental property within Orange County, and residents living near the downtown district can save money on transportation by using the Metrolink system. The pedestrian-friendly downtown district allows residents to experience cultural highlights without using a car.

Orange Attractions and Special Events

The Orange International Street Fair has been a popular attraction for Orange residents since 1910, and the annual event attracts more than 400,000 visitors per year. It is held each Labor Day weekend at the Plaza Square.

Irvine Park is another important attraction, and the Orange County Zoo, nature center, lagoon, mini-railroad, and pedal boats are all located within the 477-acre park. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of several miles of hiking and equestrian trails, and facilities include a volleyball court and eight horseshoe pits.

If you are looking for an apartment for rent or a house rental in Orange, Calif., search for rental properties at Rent.com®.

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